Library Services for Multicultural Patrons

Strategies to Encourage Library Use

Edited by Carol Smallwood and Kim Becnel

Increasingly, libraries are struggling to deal with a growing diversity in the cultural background of their patrons. Problems arising from this cultural diversity afflict all library types—school, public and academic. Library Services for Multicultural Patrons is by and for all libraries that are striving to provide multicultural services to match the growing diversity in the cultural background of patrons.

The book is designed to offer helpful tips and practical advice to academic, public, and school librarians who want to better serve the multicultural groups in their communities. The contributors to the book are themselves practicing librarians and they share creative ideas for welcoming multicultural patrons into libraries and strategies for serving them more effectively. Librarians will find in these chapters tried and true tips and techniques for marketing and promotion, improving reference services for speakers of English as a second language, and enhancing programming that they can easily implement in their own libraries and communities.

Librarians of all types will be pleased to discover easy-to-implement suggestions for collaborative efforts, many rich and diverse programming ideas, strategies for improving reference services and library instruction to speakers of English as a second language, marketing and promotional tips designed to welcome multicultural patrons into the library, and much more.« lessmore »

Carol Smallwood has worked as a public library systems administrator and consultant, and in school, academic, and special libraries. She has authored, co-authored, edited, and co-edited several books, including Librarians as Community Partners: An Outreach Handbook (2010), How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian (Scarecrow, 2011), and Preserving Local Writers, Genealogy, Photographs, Newspapers, and Related Materials (Scarecrow, 2012). Her articles have appeared in numerous journals, including American Libraries.Kim Becnel is assistant professor of library science at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Becnel teaches and researches in the areas of public library management, youth services, and children’s literature. Her work has appeared in Middle Management in Academic and Public Libraries (2011), Library Management Tips that Work (2011), Diversity in Youth Literature: Opening Doors Through Reading (2012) and Public Libraries.

Part II: Reaching StudentsChapter 7: Connecting Native American Students to Cline LibraryAmy Hughes and Carissa TsosieChapter 8: Delivering Library Instruction in a Native LanguageLaVentra E. Danquah and Wendy G. WuChapter 9: The Role of Teacher-Librarians in Encouraging Library Use by Multicultural PatronsDanielle M. Colbert-Lewis and Sean C.D. Colbert-Lewis, Sr.Chapter 10: Expanding Services to International Students and Scholars at Midsized and Small Universities and CollegesAmauri Serrano and Beth CramerChapter 11: Reaching Out to International Students at the University of Lethbridge LibraryNicole EvaChapter 12: The Solo Career College Librarian: Reaching Out to Non-Traditional StudentsAlice GravesChapter 13: Serving Diverse Populations: Outreach to Chinese and African American UsersKelly Rhodes McBride and Xiaorong Shao

Part III: Community Connections Chapter 14: The Community Speaks for Itself: Indigenous Speakers in the Labriola National American Indian Data CenterJoyce Martin Chapter 15: Connecting with Multicultural Teens (and their Families by Extension)Ashley AnsahChapter 16: Soy Culto! Connecting with the Hispanic PopulationJoyce Nutta and Julie VenturaChapter 17: Fotonovelas and Historietas: Adult Comic Books from Mexico in American LibrariesCynthia HoustonChapter 18: Reaching Out Through Graphic NovelsMike Buono

Part VI: Programming and EventsChapter 29: Raising Awareness in Academic Libraries with Multicultural Exhibits, Installations and Decorations Fantasia Thorne and Kimberly WilliamsChapter 30: Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Racial Divide in LouisianaDerek Mosley and April GreyChapter 31: Cafe a las Siete/ Coffee at Seven: Cross-cultural Programming at a Public LibraryDiana J. LennonChapter 32: So You Think You Can Write? Programming That Encourages Creativity April Grey and Derek Mosley Chapter 33: English Conversation Clubs at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Staci Falkowitz

An excellent compilation of essays that will help any librarian reach his or her multicultural patrons. ... Readers of this book will be able to step outside of their cultural identities and adapt these success stories to their current needs. Any librarian trying to reach a certain cultural demographic should read this timely publication.— Booklist

What do graphic novels, poetry readings, and oral history projects have in common? They are among many ideas used in successful outreach efforts by libraries serving ethnically diverse patrons. In this resource edited by Smallwood (Preserving Local Writers, Genealogy, Photographs, Newspapers, and Related Materials) and Becnel (library science, Appalachian State Univ.), 49 predominantly American contributors share their diversity service expertise via 37 articles arranged by theme: getting organized and finding partners, reaching students, community connections, applying technology, outreach initiatives, programming and events, and reference services. An underlying message is for librarians to leave their comfort zones, collaborate, and take risks to establish practical connections with new immigrants and other diverse populations. This comprehensive handbook—targeting academic, public, and school librarians—is the first of its kind since Katherine Hill’s Diversity and Multiculturalism in Libraries (1994) and Reaching a Multicultural Student Community by Karen E. Downing, Barbara MacAdam, and Darlene P. Nichols (1993). Staffing, funding, resource planning, and overcoming language barriers are among the topics addressed. VERDICT A useful array of ideas for administrators, IT staff, and frontline librarians seeking programming and service success with children, students, working adults, and the elderly in our increasingly multicultural world.— Library Journal

The book will be valuable in any library where there is a growing diversity of patrons being served.— American Reference Books Annual

Public libraries are well covered in the book. . . .The chapters are well arranged by theme, with special focus on effective community engagement and collaboration. I personally find the chapter on genealogy reference services interesting, as this subject is not often covered in any library course to prepare librarians for our aging and migrant communities who often show interest in this subject. . . .This book is a timely resource when library users come from a growing diversity of backgrounds in countries like Australia and New Zealand.— Australian Library Journal

Covering a variety of cultures, libraries, and locations around the country, this is the right anthology at the right time.— Kerol Harrod, Denton Public Library, Co-Editor of Marketing Your Library: Tips and Tools that Work

Society world-wide and therefore educational institutions and libraries of all types are increasingly multi-cultural. This book is a valuable and timely resource for modern librarians everywhere.— Howard C. Bybee, Family History Librarian, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University

Covering a wide range of professional advice and instruction, this anthology is an essential guide for librarians serving diverse populations.— Emily Griffin, Reference/Local History Librarian, Crawfordsville District Public Library; contributor to Preserving Local Writers, Genealogy, Photographs, Newspapers, and Related Materials (Scarecrow Press, 2012)

This is an exciting assortment of experiences by information professionals from a wide variety of institutions.— Vera Gubnitskaia, Orange County Library System

The goal of any library is to be that place in the community where diversity is not just accepted but encourage, cultivated and respected.— Brenda Lincke Fisseler, Director Friench Simpson Memorial Library Hallettsville, Texas

Our tagline is Expanding Horizons, Enriching Minds. The experience and insight shared in this new anthology will help us do just that. A thoughtful resource.— Kerry A. FitzGerald, Assistant Director, Loutit District Library

Placing a spotlight on multicultural library users, the essays in this book provide a roadmap for effective community engagement and collaboration.— Courtney L. Young, head librarian, Penn State Greater Allegheny and ALA Past President

Library Services for Multicultural Patrons

Strategies to Encourage Library Use

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eBook

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Summary

Increasingly, libraries are struggling to deal with a growing diversity in the cultural background of their patrons. Problems arising from this cultural diversity afflict all library types—school, public and academic. Library Services for Multicultural Patrons is by and for all libraries that are striving to provide multicultural services to match the growing diversity in the cultural background of patrons.

The book is designed to offer helpful tips and practical advice to academic, public, and school librarians who want to better serve the multicultural groups in their communities. The contributors to the book are themselves practicing librarians and they share creative ideas for welcoming multicultural patrons into libraries and strategies for serving them more effectively. Librarians will find in these chapters tried and true tips and techniques for marketing and promotion, improving reference services for speakers of English as a second language, and enhancing programming that they can easily implement in their own libraries and communities.

Librarians of all types will be pleased to discover easy-to-implement suggestions for collaborative efforts, many rich and diverse programming ideas, strategies for improving reference services and library instruction to speakers of English as a second language, marketing and promotional tips designed to welcome multicultural patrons into the library, and much more.

Carol Smallwood has worked as a public library systems administrator and consultant, and in school, academic, and special libraries. She has authored, co-authored, edited, and co-edited several books, including Librarians as Community Partners: An Outreach Handbook (2010), How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian (Scarecrow, 2011), and Preserving Local Writers, Genealogy, Photographs, Newspapers, and Related Materials (Scarecrow, 2012). Her articles have appeared in numerous journals, including American Libraries.Kim Becnel is assistant professor of library science at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Becnel teaches and researches in the areas of public library management, youth services, and children’s literature. Her work has appeared in Middle Management in Academic and Public Libraries (2011), Library Management Tips that Work (2011), Diversity in Youth Literature: Opening Doors Through Reading (2012) and Public Libraries.

Part II: Reaching StudentsChapter 7: Connecting Native American Students to Cline LibraryAmy Hughes and Carissa TsosieChapter 8: Delivering Library Instruction in a Native LanguageLaVentra E. Danquah and Wendy G. WuChapter 9: The Role of Teacher-Librarians in Encouraging Library Use by Multicultural PatronsDanielle M. Colbert-Lewis and Sean C.D. Colbert-Lewis, Sr.Chapter 10: Expanding Services to International Students and Scholars at Midsized and Small Universities and CollegesAmauri Serrano and Beth CramerChapter 11: Reaching Out to International Students at the University of Lethbridge LibraryNicole EvaChapter 12: The Solo Career College Librarian: Reaching Out to Non-Traditional StudentsAlice GravesChapter 13: Serving Diverse Populations: Outreach to Chinese and African American UsersKelly Rhodes McBride and Xiaorong Shao

Part III: Community Connections Chapter 14: The Community Speaks for Itself: Indigenous Speakers in the Labriola National American Indian Data CenterJoyce Martin Chapter 15: Connecting with Multicultural Teens (and their Families by Extension)Ashley AnsahChapter 16: Soy Culto! Connecting with the Hispanic PopulationJoyce Nutta and Julie VenturaChapter 17: Fotonovelas and Historietas: Adult Comic Books from Mexico in American LibrariesCynthia HoustonChapter 18: Reaching Out Through Graphic NovelsMike Buono

Part VI: Programming and EventsChapter 29: Raising Awareness in Academic Libraries with Multicultural Exhibits, Installations and Decorations Fantasia Thorne and Kimberly WilliamsChapter 30: Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Racial Divide in LouisianaDerek Mosley and April GreyChapter 31: Cafe a las Siete/ Coffee at Seven: Cross-cultural Programming at a Public LibraryDiana J. LennonChapter 32: So You Think You Can Write? Programming That Encourages Creativity April Grey and Derek Mosley Chapter 33: English Conversation Clubs at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Staci Falkowitz

An excellent compilation of essays that will help any librarian reach his or her multicultural patrons. ... Readers of this book will be able to step outside of their cultural identities and adapt these success stories to their current needs. Any librarian trying to reach a certain cultural demographic should read this timely publication.— Booklist

What do graphic novels, poetry readings, and oral history projects have in common? They are among many ideas used in successful outreach efforts by libraries serving ethnically diverse patrons. In this resource edited by Smallwood (Preserving Local Writers, Genealogy, Photographs, Newspapers, and Related Materials) and Becnel (library science, Appalachian State Univ.), 49 predominantly American contributors share their diversity service expertise via 37 articles arranged by theme: getting organized and finding partners, reaching students, community connections, applying technology, outreach initiatives, programming and events, and reference services. An underlying message is for librarians to leave their comfort zones, collaborate, and take risks to establish practical connections with new immigrants and other diverse populations. This comprehensive handbook—targeting academic, public, and school librarians—is the first of its kind since Katherine Hill’s Diversity and Multiculturalism in Libraries (1994) and Reaching a Multicultural Student Community by Karen E. Downing, Barbara MacAdam, and Darlene P. Nichols (1993). Staffing, funding, resource planning, and overcoming language barriers are among the topics addressed. VERDICT A useful array of ideas for administrators, IT staff, and frontline librarians seeking programming and service success with children, students, working adults, and the elderly in our increasingly multicultural world.— Library Journal

The book will be valuable in any library where there is a growing diversity of patrons being served.— American Reference Books Annual

Public libraries are well covered in the book. . . .The chapters are well arranged by theme, with special focus on effective community engagement and collaboration. I personally find the chapter on genealogy reference services interesting, as this subject is not often covered in any library course to prepare librarians for our aging and migrant communities who often show interest in this subject. . . .This book is a timely resource when library users come from a growing diversity of backgrounds in countries like Australia and New Zealand.— Australian Library Journal

Covering a variety of cultures, libraries, and locations around the country, this is the right anthology at the right time.— Kerol Harrod, Denton Public Library, Co-Editor of Marketing Your Library: Tips and Tools that Work

Society world-wide and therefore educational institutions and libraries of all types are increasingly multi-cultural. This book is a valuable and timely resource for modern librarians everywhere.— Howard C. Bybee, Family History Librarian, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University

Covering a wide range of professional advice and instruction, this anthology is an essential guide for librarians serving diverse populations.— Emily Griffin, Reference/Local History Librarian, Crawfordsville District Public Library; contributor to Preserving Local Writers, Genealogy, Photographs, Newspapers, and Related Materials (Scarecrow Press, 2012)

This is an exciting assortment of experiences by information professionals from a wide variety of institutions.— Vera Gubnitskaia, Orange County Library System

The goal of any library is to be that place in the community where diversity is not just accepted but encourage, cultivated and respected.— Brenda Lincke Fisseler, Director Friench Simpson Memorial Library Hallettsville, Texas

Our tagline is Expanding Horizons, Enriching Minds. The experience and insight shared in this new anthology will help us do just that. A thoughtful resource.— Kerry A. FitzGerald, Assistant Director, Loutit District Library

Placing a spotlight on multicultural library users, the essays in this book provide a roadmap for effective community engagement and collaboration.— Courtney L. Young, head librarian, Penn State Greater Allegheny and ALA Past President